Tag Archives: Arizona

Winter Field Day in Williams hailed a Success.

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The Coconino Amateur Radio Club and Bill Williams Mountain Radio Club set up for Winter Field Day in the Visitor Center parking lot.

WILLIAMS – Every year on the last full weekend in June, the amateur radio community conducts an operation called Field Day to practice setting up emergency operations and introduce people to amateur radio. The summer exercise is conducted by the Amateur Radio Relay League. Another group of amateurs felt it was just as important to be able to set up in winter conditions. They formed the Winter Field Day Association and held the first Winter Field Day January 13 and 14 in 2007.

On Saturday January 26 and Sunday January 27, the Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) and Bill Williams Mountain Radio Club (BWMRC) combined talents to conduct the first Winter Field Day in Coconino County. Williams was selected as the location and it was set up in the Williams Visitor Center parking lot.

“Thanks to the City of Williams, our first Winter Field Day was a success,” said Glen Davis KG7YDJ. “It was a short notice operation and they worked with us to get this thing going.”

Jacob Miller KI7WNS, who organized the event said, “Thank you all for a great Winter field day. Over 200 contacts were made and we couldn’t have done it without your help and support setting up, maintaining that generator, and breaking down. ”

“We definitely learned a number of lessons from this winter field day and look forward to more winter field days for years to come,” he added.

Joe Hobart W7LUX shoots a fishing line over a lamp post to raise one end of the antenna used for the operation.

A high frequency antenna is strung from one lamp post to another across the parking lot. This antenna allows operators to make contacts across the country.

During these Field Day exercises, amateur radio operators set up amateur radios and try to make as many contacts as possible through all of the frequency ranges that amateur radio, or Ham, operators are allowed to use. During actual emergencies, amateurs have the capability and latitude to operate outside of their normal frequencies. For example, transmitting on general mobile radio serive (GMRS) frequencies with an amateur radio is illegal during normal conditions. In an emergency situation where there is a possibility of loss of life or property, however, anyone is allowed to use any frequency to summon and respond to a summons for help.

Volunteers from CARC and BWMRC set up the CARC emergency trailer for the Winter Field Day. The trailer is set up to perform several modes of communication.

Amateur radio emergency communications has existed almost since amateur radio began in the early 1900s. During the cold war, the Federal Communications Commission developed the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) to respond with emergency communications in the event of a nuclear engagement. RACES required special licenses and training and only responded to nuclear war. The Amateur Relay Relay League established the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES Pronounced air-ease) to respond to all emergency situations. The special license requirement for RACES has been dropped over time and their role has expanded. ARES and RACES groups now work together toward the same goal.

Coconino ARES members provide emergency communications in a variety of situations. They provide emergency communications for different events, such as the Lion’s Club Route 66 Labor Day run in Williams and the 100 mile Stagecoach race from Flagstaff to Tusayan. At the beginning of the Blueridge Fire, cell communications were unavailable. Amateur radio was used to communicate with the Emergency Operations Center in Flagstaff to relay evacuation notices which was credited with saving lives.

The next ARRL Summer Field Day will be held June 22-23, 2019.

Volunteers from CARC and BWMRC set up the CARC emergency trailer for the Winter Field Day. The trailer is set up to perform several modes of communication.

Joe tests the radios during the set up phase of the Winter Field Day.

Morgan Conklin KI7WTS and Jacob Miller KI7WNS start making contacts for Winter Field Day.

Busy year ahead for highway projects in northern Arizona

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PHOENIX – This year will be filled with highway system improvements for northern Arizona travelers, including the start of the latest Arizona Department of Transportation project expanding US 93 to four-lane divided highway between Wickenburg and Interstate 40.

Crews will soon launch a $35.5 million project on nearly 4 miles of US 93 just north of Wikieup, between Carrow and Stephens, connecting two sections of highway that have already been divided. That will provide a continuous stretch of divided four-lane highway from milepost 108, about 15 miles south of I-40, and milepost 121 near Wikieup.

With an eye toward an Interstate 11, ADOT has invested more than half a billion dollars over the past 20 years to turn the primary route between Phoenix and Las Vegas into modern four-lane divided highway. The upcoming project is part of $155 million in US 93 improvements planned over the next five years.

Currently all but 39 miles of the 200-mile drive from Wickenburg to the Nevada state line has been upgraded to a four-lane divided highway to improve traffic flow, support the movement of freight and enhance safety through this heavily traveled area. The entire northern segment of US 93 from Kingman to the Nevada state line (mileposts 1 to 68) is now a four-lane divided highway following the completion of a $71 million project in 2010.

Meanwhile, paving projects to repair long-term winter weather damage will continue in the Flagstaff area, with crews finishing paving along northbound I-17 from milepost 312 to the I-40 interchange and along the 17-mile stretch of I-40 between Cataract Lake and Parks west of Flagstaff.

Last year, crews rebuilt about 20 miles of highway in northern Arizona, providing a long-term fix to damage from freeze-thaw cycles and heavy traffic. In all, ADOT has improved or is in the process of improving 62 miles of interstate freeway in the Flagstaff area.

This spring, ADOT will launch a project to repave 13 miles of State Route 89A from Sedona to the scenic overlook between mileposts 374 and 387. The project will also install new guardrail.

In far northwestern Arizona, the decks of three Virgin River bridges along Interstate 15 will get makeovers starting early this year. Bridge Nos. 2 and 5 will get newly resurfaced decks. Bridge No. 4 will received a brand new deck.

In the Prescott area, ADOT will begin a project along 5 miles of SR 69 between Truwood Drive and Fain Road. Improvements include building a raised center median, new traffic signals and new left turn lanes at certain intersections. A multi-use path will also be constructed on the north side of SR 69 between Truwood and Navajo drives.

For more information on these projects, please visit azdot.gov/projects.

ADOT policy revised based on legal settlement

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PHOENIX – The following statement is provided as an element of a settlement agreement addressing policies of the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division involving those who hold federal Employment Authorization Cards:

The Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (“MVD”) has settled and resolved the litigation captioned Lucrecia Rivas Valenzuela, et al. v. Doug Ducey, et al., United States District Court Case Number CV-16-03072-PHX-DGC. Based on recent court decisions and as part of this settlement, MVD has agreed to revise Policy 16.1.4 so that any federally issued Employment Authorization Card is primary identification for purposes of applicants establishing authorized presence under federal law for purposes of A.R.S. Section 28-3153.

Digital license plates now available as option for Arizona motorists

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Technology buffs have a new Arizona license plate option available to them with the introduction of electronic digital plates.

For over a year, the Arizona Department of Transportation has tested this technology on a limited number of its fleet vehicles throughout the state to determine operational capabilities and endurance under multiple weather conditions.

ADOT also collaborated with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to ensure that the look of the plate and its messaging capabilities conform to legal requirements and law enforcement best practices.

The plates, called Rplate Digital License Plates, are LTE wireless connected devices similar to a tablet. The license plate number is constantly displayed, and the technology allows for added messages such as “invalid,” “stolen” and other notifications if needed.

While use of the Rplate is authorized by the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, it’s not available at MVD or Authorized Third Party offices. Motorists who wish to buy the plate must do so through participating resellers, including vehicle dealerships and professional auto service providers or the plate manufacturer, Reviver Auto. The plate’s cost is determined by the manufacturer, and MVD does not receive any proceeds from sales.

For more information: reviverauto.com.

Bellemont Area Plan Open House

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FLAGSTAFF – The public is invited to attend an Open House to review the draft Bellemont Area Plan. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., Thursday, January 31 at the Robinson Readiness Center Drill Floor, Camp Navajo, Bellemont, Arizona.

The Bellemont Area Plan is a land use planning document that will guide land use and development in Bellemont for the next 20 years. The Open House will be an opportunity for the community to review and provide comments on the draft plan containing the vision for Bellemont’s future. People can learn about how the draft plan addresses goals and policies for land use, transportation, community services and other issues identified during the process.

WHAT: Bellemont Area Plan Open House
WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, January 31, 2019
WHERE: Robinson Readiness Center Drill Floor (Building K2100), Camp Navajo, Bellemont, Ariz.
WHO: The public is invited.

See http://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/26111/ for the draft Area Plan.

Inmate Found Unresponsive In Cell

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FLAGSTAFF – On Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at approximately 4:13 am, Coconino County Detention Facility Officers conducting an inmate welfare check found 20-year old Kyle Martinson unresponsive in his cell.

Detention Officers began lifesaving measures, including CPR, until paramedics arrived on scene and took over lifesaving efforts. Mr. Martinson was pronounced deceased at approximately 4:26 am.

The cause of death is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and pending autopsy and review by the Coconino County Medical Examiner. Mr. Martinson was currently housed in a cell by himself. At this time the death does not appear to be a suicide and no foul play is suspected. Next of kin has been notified.

Amateur Radio Winter Field Day 2019 is January 26 to 27

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino Amateur Radio Club participates each year in the American Radio Relay League Summer Field Day the last weekend in June. This year they are working on participating in the Winter Field Day sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association.

The Winter Field Day Association (WFDA) sponsors the 2019 running of Winter Field Day, January 26 to 27. WFDA says that the ability to conduct emergency communication in a winter environment is just as important as the preparation and practice that take place each summer, but with some additional unique operational concerns.

“We believe that maintaining your operational skills should not be limited to fair-weather scenarios,” WFDA said in announcing this year’s event. “The addition of Winter Field Day will enhance those already important skills of those that who generously volunteer their time and equipment to these organizations. Preparedness is the key to a professional and timely response during any event, and this is what local and state authorities are expecting when they reach out to emergency service groups that offer their services.”

Members of the Warren County (NY) Radio Club (WCARC) will activate Maxim Memorial Station W1AW during 2019 Winter Field Day. Club members will work a rotating 24-hour operating schedule to ensure the most band/mode coverage.

The Winter and Summer field Day events are a chance for amateur radio operators to test equipment and alternate emergency power sources. The event is open to all radio amateurs.

For anyone wanting to get an amateur radio license or upgrade their current license, the Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) is holding a license exam session in Flagstaff. The exams will be held at North Country Health Care Center at 2920 N. 4th Street in Flagstaff.

AZGFD Paddlesports training course is first to meet national standard

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) was recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for offering the nation’s first paddlesports class that meets the national standard for ”On-Water Recreational Boating Skills – Human Propelled.” AZGFD’s “Paddlesports Arizona” course teaches fundamental paddlecraft skills that entry-level recreational boaters should be able to demonstrate after receiving instruction.

In addition to conserving and protecting wildlife and enforcing hunting, fishing and off-highway vehicle laws, Arizona Game and Fish is responsible for registering Arizona watercraft, enforcing boating safety laws and educating the public on safe boating practices.

“Paddlesports Arizona” is the first human-propelled boating course in the U.S. to receive this voluntary third-party verification. According to AZGFD Education Branch Chief Kellie Tharp, paddlesports such as canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking are growing rapidly in Arizona.

“As paddlesports become more popular on Arizona waterways, the need to educate people on safe operation has become a priority for our department,” said Tharp. “Boating Safety Education Program Manager Kim Jackson and Boating Safety Education Coordinator Josh Hoffman are to be commended for creating a curriculum that meets ANSI’s stringent national standards.”

To see a schedule of free Arizona Game and Fish Department paddlesports classes, visit https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/17. For more information, contact the Boating Education program at 623-236-7258 or visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Under funding provided by a U.S. Coast Guard grant, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators awarded AZGFD with a uniquely-numbered “Verified Course” mark indicating “The content of this course conforms to the American National Standard for on-water skills as verified through an independent third-party assessment process.” For more information about the process, please visit the Verified Course page on the NASBLA website.

AZGFD conducting $3.3 million major renovation at Sterling Springs Hatchery

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is conducting a $3.3 million renovation of the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery in Oak Creek Canyon, north of Sedona. AZGFD expects to complete the renovations by June of 2019.

“It’s all about ensuring that successful hatchery operations at Sterling Springs continue for years to come,” AZGFD Statewide Hatchery Program Manager Geoffrey Rabinovich said. “Planning for the future is necessary to maintain and increase current production in order to meet current and future demands of sport fish anglers in Arizona.”

AZGF Photo

The AZGFD-owned hatchery has been in need of refurbishment. The current infrastructure is aging, and some of the piping is more than 70 years old.The pipe, delivery system, valves and concrete raceways are in dire need of replacement. In addition, with decreasing water supplies, it is going to become necessary to be able to operate with less water.

The nearly $3.3 million project for Sterling Springs involves the rehabilitation of the water inflow pipes leading to the hatchery, as well as various spring/control boxes along the pipelines. Also, the outside concrete raceways and water pipelines will be replaced. The project includes a cover canopy and fence around raceways, a new storage building, and a partial recirculation system, among other improvements.

Such renovations are nothing new. In 1984, AZGFD spent $3.4 million to renovate Page Springs, Tonto and Silver Creek hatcheries in order to keep up with increased trout production.

During the Slide Fire in May of 2014, AZGFD initiated a successful fish rescue operation, moving 600,000 trout from Sterling Springs Hatchery to hatcheries that weren’t in fire danger. See video of the rescue.

Rabinovich said he’s grateful that AZGFD commissioners, the governor’s office, and the AZGFD executive staff recognize the importance of the fish hatcheries for the state. Hatcheries play a vital role in maintaining the quality of sport fishing in Arizona.

According to the Economic Impact of Fishing in Arizona report, annual recreational sport fishing produces $1.47 billion in economic benefits for the state.

Sterling Springs Hatchery is the smallest facility owned and operated by the AZGFD hatchery program, yet has a vital role in the program. Each year, the hatchery produces and supplies hundreds of thousands of trout fingerlings to Page Springs Hatchery (the largest trout hatchery in Arizona) to be raised to a catchable size prior to being stocked.

With renovations underway, the hatchery is closed to the public.

Williams Event Huddle scheduled for Monday

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WILLIAMS – The annual Williams Event Huddle will be held again on Monday, January 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Williams Recreation Center at 314 Railroad Avenue across the street from the bank.

The event brings together various non-profit groups and County agencies who have three minutes to speak about the goals and visions for their particlar activity. The groups exhange contact information and assist each other where they can.

This year people may come in to listen to the groups and perhaps learn where they can get help or find organizations of their interest to join. The event lasts about two hours.